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Emerald Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon photo
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Emerald Paradise

Columbia River Gorge - Oregon

A downed log covered with moss resting on the river floor just below Ponytail Falls. Something you will see a lot of as you travel the different trails throughout the Columbia River Gorge area.

Directions: Exit 28 at Bridel Veil. Drive east for 5.5 miles for the signed turn-off for Horsetail Falls. Parking is on the left. Or, exit 35 and drive west for 1.5 miles to the signed turn-off for Horsetail Falls. Parking is on the right. Horsetail Falls is right across the street. To the left of Horsetail Falls is a trail for Ponytail Falls. Hike up this steep trail about .5 miles and you will arrive to the upper level of Horsetail Falls to another waterfall called Ponytail Falls. Ponytail Falls is the upper waterfall that flows down into Horsetail Falls. Note: If you are driving east on the scenic byway from exit 28, you will pass another parking area on your right and you will see signs for Ponytail Falls here as well. This is a longer 3 mile hike to Ponytail Falls. There are several different trails here and all are very steep and will take you high and deep into the canyon. If you take the longer 3 mile trail from here to Ponytail Falls, around 2 miles, you will reach an outcropping on the outer cliffs where you will have a beautiful high view of the river and mountains in the distance. A great location for a sunset shot of the Columbia River Gorge area. There is a memorial plackard here from a climber who fell to his death not to far from this area. This area is not chained or ropped off and the drop off is straight down about 1000 feet. Please be careful. Best time to Photograph: 2-3 hours before sunset. Photo © copyright by Erik and Melissa Barnes.

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